HARTFORD -- The state Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly approved a bill to keep United Technologies Corp. in Connecticut, including $50 million in improvements at Sikorsky Aircraft world headquarters in Stratford.

The public-private partnership would guarantee that the iconic helicopter maker, which recently announced 600 layoffs, would remain in town for at least five years. The bill passed by a 34-2 vote.

"We want Sikorsky to stay here," said Sen. John Fonfara, D-Hartford, the co-chairman of the Finance Committee, who introduced the bill. "Their history is here."

Malloy in February offered a deal to provide $400 million in unused research and development tax credits over 14 years for assurances that UTC would stay here. The bill passed the House last week.

Overall, UTC would invest half a billion dollars of its own, including in a new 100,000-square-foot research lab at its Pratt & Whitney division in East Hartford, and new engineering and customer-training labs in Windsor Locks.

Another $4 billion is planned for future research over the life of the agreement.

"Sikorsky Aircraft has been a part of the fabric of life in Stratford for 91 years," said Stratford Mayor John A. Harkins. "Today's vote by the state Senate helps to ensure this vital piece of our local economy will remain here for years to come. I look forward to continuing to work with Sikorsky for the betterment of Stratford and our region."

More Information

Sikorsky Aircraft:* $50 million in state tax credits, in exchange for five-year commitment to keeping world HQ in Stratford. * upgrade advanced engineering labs and design labs, including its flight simulator for the new S-97 Raider and the Joint Multi-Role helicopter.* Modernize manufacturing processes.

The bill was approved over complaints from some lawmakers opposed to giving support to an international corporate giant.

But lawmakers in support of the award, which would allow UTC to cash in on unredeemed R&D tax credits, said it gives some assurance for the corporation that created $6 billion in profits last year and create stability for about 2,500 of its state subcontractors.